#6 Reliever: Bobby Hernandez

In 2007, the Staunton Braves finished in fifth place in the regular season with a 24-20 record. Bobby Hernandez, their big arm in the back of the bullpen, saved eleven of those wins, and he added a 12th in the first round of the playoffs against Winchester.

Overall, Hernandez  had a superb year for the Braves- he finished 0-1, 1.78, with the aforementioned 12 saves, 1.03 WHIP, 4.6 BB/9, 12.5 K/9, and .143 opponent's batting average in 25 1/3 innings.  The only game he lost was on July 1st, when his defense let him down: the winning run scored without a hit or walk.

Hernandez is a junior at Barry University. In his freshman year, pitching almost exclusively out of the bullpen (he started one game), he went 4-1, 4.76, with a 1.32 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9, and 8.8 K/9 in 28 2/3 innings.

In his sophomore year, he also went 4-1, with a better 3.26 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 9.6 K/9 in 49 2/3 innings.  He has an interesting mix of appearances: he threw in 17 games, with 6 starts, 6 saves, and 4 complete games! 

So, would he rather start or relieve?  He said, "I actually prefer to close because I am more comfortable with that role, but this year I'm penciled in to be a starter."  Hernandez throws four different pitches: a fastball, curve, slider, and change. His fastball touches 93, but he usually works from 89-91 mph.

Bobby is draft eligible for the first time this year; hopefully he'll get a look with his very high K/9. Pitchers who can make hitters miss are always in demand!